Maths GCSE Options Information

What is the main aim of the course?

Whether you believe that numbers are either invented or discovered it is beyond any doubt that maths is woven into the fabric of the world we live in.

The main aim of the Maths GCSE course is to develop confident and knowledgeable mathematicians, to help students make sense of our society and support them in making positive decisions that will affect their future.

What will you learn?

The Maths GCSE is split into six key strands: algebra, number, ratio proportion and rates of change, geometry and measures, probability and statistics.

The aim is that most students will cover the whole GCSE Maths specification. This is with the intention that the majority of students are assessed against the Higher Tier content at the end of year 11.

Decisions are made, at times, during the two year course to limit some of the topics covered so more time can be spent developing a greater understanding of the concepts which have the greatest number of links to other topics. A number of these students will be assessed against the Foundation Tier.

At the end of the course students should be able to:

1. develop fluent knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods and concepts

2. acquire, select and apply mathematical techniques to solve problems

3. reason mathematically, make deductions and inferences and draw conclusions

4. comprehend, interpret and communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms appropriate to the information and context.

How is the course assessed?

Students will sit either a Higher or Foundation Tier exam at the end of year 11 (Edexcel). This will consist of three written papers: one non calculator and two calculator. 

How does this course connect to the world of work and allow students to reach ambitious destinations?

Given that maths is woven into the fabric of our world, it is extremely useful to be numerate and a confident mathematician in our society. It is skills such as: problem solving, analysing data, communication and logical thinking which are highly desirable to employers and are learnt while studying abstract concepts such as trigonometry.

For some, mathematics is a pathway to higher education and apprenticeships. Again, maths is very sought after by further educational establishments as it is applied in so many other disciplines such as the physical/social sciences, computing, humanities and sport. In addition to this, technology is opening more and more opportunities for the application of maths in music and art. 

Who do you need to contact if you have any further questions about this course?

Mr P Daniell, pdaniell@srwa.woodard.co.uk.